Top Earning Athletes
The stage is set for an epic USA vs. The World battle in Australia and New Zealand as the US tries for a record three straight triumphs. The top 15 earners Athletes in the event are dominated by 11 American players, thus the competition is anything but close when it comes to money.
HIGHEST-PAID PLAYERS IN THE 2023 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
#1 • $7.1 million
Alex Morgan
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $6.3 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Forward | Age: 34
In the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Morgan, the co-captain of the USWNT, boasts an impressive endorsement portfolio that encompasses brands like Hublot, Bodyarmor (a Coca-Cola product), and Michelob Ultra (from Anheuser-Busch), with a notable appearance in a Super Bowl commercial alongside prominent personalities such as Serena Williams and Succession star Brian Cox. Beyond her sporting achievements, Morgan is also a co-founder of media company Togethxr, which is currently working on a Netflix docuseries about the latest World Cup journey of the American team, set to be released in the fall. Moreover, she has furthered her philanthropic endeavors with the launch of a foundation in March.
#2 • $7 million
Megan Rapinoe
On-Field Earnings: $0.7 million | Off-Field Earnings: $6.3 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Forward | Age: 38
What a remarkable year it has been for Rapinoe Athletes. In a historic moment last July, she made history as the first soccer player and only the sixth female athlete or coach to be awarded the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. This honor recognizes her tireless advocacy for LGBTQ rights and equal pay for women, in addition to celebrating her outstanding achievements on the field. Following that, in a display of her diverse interests, the winger for OL Reign took an equity stake in Happy Viking, a plant-based food startup founded by Venus Williams, and later in December, she co-launched a production company named A Touch More, together with her partner, WNBA legend Sue Bird. As she prepared for what she has stated to be her final World Cup appearance, Rapinoe also stood out as the women’s soccer player with the most branded social media posts, as per a recent report from SponsorUnited. Her journey continues to inspire and impress both on and off the field.
#3 • $4 million
Alexia Putellas
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $3.2 million
Nationality: Spain | Position: Midfielder | Age: 29
Athletes Putellas, acclaimed as the world’s finest women’s soccer player, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or Féminin in both 2021 and 2022. With a substantial fan base of three million followers on Instagram, she stands as the sport’s second-most influential player on the platform, as highlighted in a recent Nielsen report, just behind Switzerland’s Alisha Lehmann. Despite facing adversity when she tore her ACL in July, Putellas displayed incredible determination and made a triumphant return to the field in April. Her outstanding reputation is further solidified by a dozen long-term endorsement deals, and her remarkable journey was showcased in an Amazon Prime Video docuseries, released in November 2022, capturing the essence of her extraordinary career.
#4 • $2.3 million
Trinity Rodman
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $1.5 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Forward | Age: 21
Rodman’s notable family lineage, being the daughter of Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman Athletes, adds to her market appeal. However, it is her own merit as a highly exhilarating and talented young player in the sport that truly sets her apart. In 2021, she earned the prestigious NWSL Rookie of the Year Award, propelling her into the spotlight. Capitalizing on her success, she secured an impressive four-year contract extension with the Washington Spirit, valued at a record-breaking $1.1 million in league history. Beyond her on-field achievements, Rodman has also established long-term partnerships with several prominent brands, such as Adidas and Unilever, further solidifying her position as a sought-after athlete in the marketing world.
#5 (tie) • $2 million
Crystal Dunn
On-Field Earnings: $0.7 million | Off-Field Earnings: $1.3 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Defender | Age: 31
#5 (tie) • $2 million
Julie Ertz
On-Field Earnings: $0.7 million | Off-Field Earnings: $1.3 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Midfielder | Age: 31
#5 (tie) • $2 million
Sophia Smith
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $1.2 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Forward | Age: 22
#8 • $1.5 million
Lindsey Horan
On-Field Earnings: $0.9 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.6 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Midfielder | Age: 29
#9 • $1.4 million
Rose Lavelle
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.6 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Midfielder | Age: 28
#10 • $1.3 million
Sofia Huerta
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.5 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Defender | Age: 30
#11 (tie) • $1.2 million
Ada Hegerberg
On-Field Earnings: $0.6 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.6 million
Nationality: Norway | Position: Forward | Age: 28
#11 (tie) • $1.2 million
Chloe Kelly
On-Field Earnings: $0.4 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.8 million
Nationality: England | Position: Forward | Age: 25
#11 (tie) • $1.2 million
Sam Kerr
On-Field Earnings: $0.6 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.6 million
Nationality: Australia | Position: Forward | Age: 29
#11 (tie) • $1.2 million
Kelley O’Hara
On-Field Earnings: $0.7 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.5 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Defender | Age: 34
#15 • $1.1 million
Alyssa Naeher
On-Field Earnings: $0.8 million | Off-Field Earnings: $0.3 million
Nationality: U.S. | Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 35